Optical Detection System

Abstract

An optical detection system has a component support, in which is disposed at least one optical element, and a separate detector unit having a mechanical connection to the component support. The component support and the detector unit are arranged in such a way that light entering into the component support can be guided through the at least one optical element to the detector unit and that the mechanical connection between the component support and the detector unit is configured in a releasable manner by means of a retaining element which is detachably connected to the component support and the detector unit.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
   
   
       20 . An optical device, comprising:
 a component support and at least one optical element disposed in said component support;   a detector unit disposed such that light entering said component support may be guided through said at least one optical element to said detector unit; and   a retaining element constructed to releasably connect said component support to said detector unit and being releasably connected to at least one of said component support and said detector unit.   
   
   
       21 . The optical device according to  claim 20 , wherein said retaining element is flexible at least in certain regions. 
   
   
       22 . The optical device according to  claim 21 , wherein said retaining element is a spring element. 
   
   
       23 . The optical device according to  claim 20 , wherein said retaining element is a bridge-shaped element. 
   
   
       24 . The optical device according to  claim 20 , wherein said retaining element is formed with a connecting region and at least two retaining limbs disposed at opposite sides of said connecting region. 
   
   
       25 . The optical device according to  claim 24 , wherein each said retaining limb has a free end with a curved profile. 
   
   
       26 . The optical device according to  claim 25 , wherein, in an assembled state of the optical system forming a detection system, the curved profile of a free end abuts against an underside of said detector unit facing away from said component support, or against said component support. 
   
   
       27 . The optical device according to  claim 24 , wherein said connecting region is constructed in a shape of a cup. 
   
   
       28 . The optical device according to  claim 24 , wherein said connecting region is formed with a through cutout. 
   
   
       29 . The optical device according to  claim 28 , wherein, in an assembled state of the optical system forming a detection system, said component support extends through said cutout, wherein said connecting region abuts at least in certain regions against said component support. 
   
   
       30 . The optical device according to  claim 29 , wherein said cutout is dimensioned such that said connecting region abuts against said component support peripherally with a snug fit. 
   
   
       31 . The optical device according to  claim 20 , wherein said retaining element is made at least partly from metal or at least partly from synthetic material. 
   
   
       32 . The optical device according to  claim 20 , wherein said detector unit has at least one blocking means in which, in an assembled state of the optical device forming a detection system, an engagement element of the component support engages. 
   
   
       33 . The optical device according to  claim 32 , wherein said engagement element engages in latching manner. 
   
   
       34 . The optical device according to  claim 20 , wherein said retaining element is constructed on a housing for releasably securing the optical system forming a detection system. 
   
   
       35 . The optical device according to  claim 20 , wherein said detector unit includes an image sensor. 
   
   
       36 . The optical device according to  claim 20 , wherein said component support is a lens tube. 
   
   
       37 . The optical device according to  claim 20 , disposed in a vehicle and associated with a driver assistance system or passenger protection system of the vehicle. 
   
   
       38 . A vehicle, comprising an optical device according to  claim 20 . 
   
   
       39 . The vehicle according to  claim 38 , having a driver assistance system and/or a passenger protection system configured to use data detected by the optical device.